New graduate needs advice

Nurses General Nursing

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I am need some advice I am a new graduate and have tons to learn! Ill be the first to admit it. How do you handle a far more experienced RN meaning well and trying to teach ; but telling me things that seem so elementary to nursing. I sometimes wonder if she thinks I am an idiot... I don't want to insult her and make her think I think I know everything But I am getting frustrated. I also don't want to upset her and her not receive the great guidance she can give. How do I address this while still being professional.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Is she your preceptor? If so, then I suggest that you simply let it go in one ear and out the other. She is assigned to teach and oversee your care, and I'd rather have someone too thorough than not thorough enough.

If she is not your identified preceptor, perhaps you can tactfully let your preceptor know that you appreciate this nurse's input, but it's a bit too much at times, and ask your preceptor to "run interference" for you.

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Specializes in med/surg, metro hospital, NH.

I say take it with a heartfelt "thank you" and save the info you need and let go of the stuff you don't. New nurses need all the help they can get and if smart take it from all willing teachers. Love the ones that paved the way for you and learn from them, they have invaluable info and in all fairness really want to see new nurses succeed.

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This nurse actually was not at the hospital I am starting at right now. This nurse actually came to a clinic I have been working at for three years. I know she means well and is trying to teach but she is telling things I have been doing for three years... for instance how to take a bs.... or right before I draw blood ( been doing so for two years) you know a lipid profile goes in a tiger top... right..? ( as the tiger top is in my hand)?I guess I just was maybe being to sensitive but It just gets old after a while. Now as far as a preceptor I would take everything she says and respect her. she has no way of knowing my skills or my strengths and her job is to guide and teach me.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

maybe say something like, "I know you're being helpful, and I know how to do this. Thank you!"

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I would just be quiet and listen. I heard from a nursing instructor once that sometimes nurses will tell you elementary stuff to see if you're teachable or not. If you know it, let it go in one ear and out the other. However, maybe you should listen a little she may tell you something you actually didn't know or explain it in a way that makes it clearer for you. Also, she may be able to help you with patient teaching. If she's teaching you easy stuff, maybe it will show you hwo to teach your patients. It would be one thing if she was doing it to demean you or to be funny, but if she's doing it to help, just listen.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

There are times that you will want to quietly take in the information and other times, forexample drawing up blood - when she reminds you it's got to be in a tiger top, hold it up and say nicely, "I'm on it!". or you can also tell her if she starts walking you through a procedure "Thanks Janet, but i was hoping you could just watch me this time and only prompt me if i get stuck. I'm trying to memorize this procedure." The key is to be polite and respectful.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

the above posters are giving very good advice. i am a new grad so i am not exactly and expert yet... however, one of my nursing instructors pulled me aside before i graduated and gave me the same advice as above. the bottom line is you must be humble and show humility. i am orienting right now but i was a nurse extern for over a year thus, i get told things i know how to do or am about to do all the time! i just say, "thank you" because i do not want to come off as a new grad who cannot-be-told-anything, which is easy to do. i do not want to alienate myself from the knowledge and experience surrounding me on a daily basis. at least that is what my former wise and very difficult instructor told me can easily happen! :typing

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics & Case Mgmt.

I am a new grad myself. This is very good advice and I agree that listening and being humble and teachable is important. But how do you handle it when an experienced (but only 2 years) seems to enjoy pointing out all your mistakes - in front of other nurses, physicians, and even patients. Kind of "at my wits end". sad.png

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.
I am a new grad myself. This is very good advice and I agree that listening and being humble and teachable is important. But how do you handle it when an experienced (but only 2 years) seems to enjoy pointing out all your mistakes - in front of other nurses, physicians, and even patients. Kind of "at my wits end". sad.png

Take her aside and thank her for being willing to help you, but that you would prefer to be corrected in private in the future. If it continues, ask for a meeting with her and your manager and explain how uncomfortable she is making you in public. Own your own statements "I feel..., I don't like..."; don't be accusatory. Point out that saying things in front of patients is bad PR, unless you are doing something that may cause immediate harm.

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